Squirrel Point Light, Wooden lighthouse in Arrowsic, United States
Squirrel Point Light is an octagonal wooden tower on a river promontory in Maine that rises about 7.5 meters (25 feet) with a gabled sound signal chamber built into one side. An iron railing with wooden bracketed supports runs around the lantern room at the top, finished with a distinctive ventilator cap.
The structure was built in 1898 as part of a modernization effort to improve navigation on the Kennebec River. It was one of four towers constructed at the same time to address the shipping challenges facing vessels in these waters.
This light served the river community as a vital guide for captains navigating through these waters, and locals still recognize it as a landmark tied to the area's maritime roots. The structure represents an era when such towers were essential for trade and safety.
The site is accessed via a path leading to the tower with good views of the surrounding river landscape. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather, as the promontory location means conditions can shift quickly.
The tower used a 250-millimeter lens to guide ships with a visibility range of about 8 nautical miles, which was advanced navigation technology for the time. This optical system, paired with its simple wooden construction, made it an effective tool for maritime safety.
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